The Directors of the Incorporated West India Company of the Chamber at Amsterdam, having communication of the annexed writing, and being ordered to submit their opinion thereon, state, under correction, as their conclusion on the first, That they most respectfully -- request to know how, and by what means it appears to their High Mightinesses that the war against the Indians was undertaken solely on the petition of three persons, especially as they the Directors are otherwise informed, as can be seen from a certain report sent over by the late Director. 2.

This article relates to the statement in the first.

392 NEW- YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS. 3.

The trade in articles of contraband has been always forbidden and we cannot consider it ;

wise to give private persons, yet, so much latitude. But if some of the aforesaid wares must, however, to avoid offence, be sold with a sparing hand, such shall be permitted by the Director and Council, with knowledge of circumstances and only when necessary. This small charge is also wholly unnecessary, inasmuch as the Indians will readily purchase guns in the spring, (a, 120 guilders, and a pound of powder, (3, 10 or 12 guilders.

6.

Those of the Colonie Rensslaers-Wyck must pay their own clergyman, and are busy inquiring for a person. New Amsterdam is provided, and none is yet required in the out-lying places. 8.

This point is fully treated in the Freedoms.

The purport of this article ought to be made clearer in order to render it intelligible. In all cases we cannot understand how the inhabitants can be brought to bear the expenses, inasmuch as it is already stated that they complain about a small impost on beer and wine, which is, however, paid only by the tapsters.